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Prior to that, another Italian -- Maria Teresa di Filippis -- raced for Maserati three times in 1958.

Now Wolff has been given the chance to follow in their footsteps, even if such a prospect may take some time.

'I'm grateful for the support and belief Williams continue to show in me and 2014 promises to be a very important milestone in my career," Wolff told the manufacturer's website.

"My responsibilities within the team have steadily increased as I have proved myself, culminating in the opportunity to test the car at Silverstone and conduct straight line aero tests last season.

"Competing in two (practice) sessions, alongside an additional full test day this season will be a big step and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get behind the wheel on a grand prix weekend.

"It's a challenge that I will relish and it will be a great chance for me to continue assisting the team.''

In a separate interview, Wolff stated that the possibility of taking part in practice sessions on a Friday meant she had to be eyeing up a chance at driving on the Sunday.

"If you can take part in the Friday practice sessions, then of course you have to be looking at doing an actual race," she told the British Press Association.

Growing Presence

This may well be some time off though, with Brazilian Felipe Massa and Finland's Valtteri Bottas the two designated drivers for the forthcoming season.

Wolff is not even the team's reserve driver since that role is taken by another Brazilian, 21-year-old Felipe Nasr.

Having competed in the German Touring Car championship (DTM) for seven years, the Scot is married to Toto Wolff, a former Williams executive director who now holds that role at Mercedes.

Yet Williams' Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds is adamant that Wolff deserves her place in the paddock.

"Susie has become a valued member of our driver line up and 2014 will see her take on more responsibilities as we seek to make a strong step forward in performance," he told williamsf1.com.

"Susie has demonstrated a natural talent for developing a car and providing strong feedback and these sort of characteristics will be key this season as teams seek to quickly understand and refine the radically overhauled 2014 cars.''

Wolff joined Williams in April 2012 and has been credited with helping to develop various cars.

Having impressed in a test at Silverstone last year, Wolff can boast good knowledge of both the track for the British grand prix and Hockenheim -- following her experiences there in DTM.